Buyer’s Remorse

Dear Bakers,

Why must all sales be final?

I must confess my recent purchase of the Yasmine wedge is just not working for me. I’m unsure what happened or why the sudden change, but the feeling is not there anymore. When I saw these babies I thought they belonged in my closet and debated between the colors nude, black, or animal print. The black patent won out because of the $29.99 price tag. I looked to my friends, who were shopping with me, for encouragement.  They cosigned on my need for these shoes. So I happily told the sales associate, “I’ll take’em!”  But as I walked around the store my inner voice started talking “Get out of the store NOW! You don’t need another shoe!” Inner voice please get quiet!  And our debate begins...  The inner voice won out, and I left the store heartbroken and empty handed.

The next morning the Yasmine wedge was still on my mind and my friends kept telling me there is no way I should’ve left those shoes….and once again the debate begins. I made a trip back to Bakers on my lunch break. Blame it on A.P.P. (Adult Peer Pressure). You know that feeling...you have to buy something because your friends say it’s cool. You shouldn’t do it but you do…I know, it’s so high school….but it happens from time to time in adulthood.

 I was happy until I got home.  Once I slipped them on I felt 7 feet tall!  My feet were in excruciating pain because the peep toe felt tight. I walked around the house to break them in and these shoes were hard as a rock. Not to mention I almost twisted my ankle just standing in place. Yes, standing in place!  It’s totally crazy, but it’s a true story. I must acknowledge that my naturally high arches do make it painful for me to wear high instep shoes. Ok….so I’ll take some of the blame for not being able to wear this shoe. Bakers please accept my return or exchange and I’ll get a pair of cute flats instead…C’mon!!!!

I ask you again, why must all sales be final?

Thanks your loyal customer,

Katie Mac

Five Dollar Finds

I thought it would be fun if I post my five dollar finds from the thrift store on Fridays.  My latest find was this Audrey Hepburn coffee table book for $4.99 at the Goodwill.

It’s filled with gorgeous black and white photos of Audrey throughout her personal life and movie career.  Amazon sells this book new for around $25.00 so this was a great deal!

Feel free to tell me about your five dollar finds!

Private Mac

I’ve been looking to add an authentic army jacket to my closet for years, but I refused to dish out major bucks at the Army Surplus store.  Luckily, a few months ago I came across this beauty at the thrift store.

It was just hanging there…waiting for me.  And the bonus was it was only $ 4.00! Can you believe that price?

Did I mention how much I love this purse? I’m carrying art work on my arm!

Next on my wish list is to find some decorative navy pins to go with my navy pea coat for the winter.

What I Wore

Dress as skirt- Target

Army Jacket- Thrift

Shirt- Jcpenney

Sandals - Target

Purse- Susej Designs

Watch- Michael Kors

Bangles- Thrift, Forever 21

 

Texas Black Expo 2011

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Texas Black Expo with fellow bloggers K.D. from Hair Gurl, Luci Lui from Strictli Hair and future blogger Shandha.  The Expo is an annual event with the goal of creating awareness of individuals and business within the black community.  The main theme for this year’s event was celebrating natural hair. The two day event consisted of seminars, vendors, and speakers that specialized in natural hair care. I was able to catch up with blogger Tamera of Natural Hair Rules who hosted a natural hair meet up. It was great to see all the natural hair beauties rockin their hair.

Shandha, K.D. and Luci Lui

If you live in Houston or just stopping by to visit and need to get your “Do” did check out the master stylist Christie L. She was nice enough to let us see her skills in action.

Christie L did her hair….Isn’t she fabulous?  And Yes, that is her hair. She is natural!  Check out their website to make an appointment at Crème de -la Crème.  

My good friend Jcil, was a vendor at the event. She is the designer behind Jcil White Designs.  Check out her website for some fabulous earrings!   

 

These hand painted bags are off the chain and are definitely a conversation piece.  Make sure to check out the website Susej Designs. Dionne Green is the talented fashion illustrator and designer of these bags.

Of course I couldn’t leave the expo without making a purchase. Check out my purse. Isn’t she gorgeous?  Its hand painted from Susej Designs. Love it!

A number of celebrities attended the Texas Black Expo.  I got to catch up with my new friend J. Anthony Brown. He walked up while we’re taking pictures and of course I let him jump in my picture.
 
Overall the expo was a blast. I truly enjoyed the event.  

What I Wore

Maxi Dress and Tank Top- Ross

Sandals- Target

Bracelets- Consignment shop

Cross body bag- Coach



Thrifting 101

I’ve been thrifting for years, even before it was considered an acceptable way of shopping. Back in the day, there was a stigma attached to thrift stores, but for my mom and me thrifting was a Saturday ritual. We look forward to our adventures at our local Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savors, Church rummage sales, and garage sales. We'd go anywhere we could to find a deal...now that was a good day! I get a natural high when I walk in the thrift store.  I hit those racks with a vengeance looking for that major thrift score! 

Here are my top 10 tips for successful thrifting!

1.      Shop early. Be the first one in the store, this gives you time to scope out the surroundings. You’re also less likely to come across that annoying shopper who follows you around and goes down the same aisles. I’m very territorial when it comes to shopping. Please don’t be on the same rack when I’m looking.

2.      Shop often if possible. Thrift store merchandise changes every day.  Sometimes while you’re in the store, they’re bringing out new merchandise!  It’s best to check back often. No, that doesn't mean you need to buy on each trip.

3.      Learn the days they have their sales. Most thrift stores offer an additional percentage off of certain colored tags, or customer rewards programs to be redeemed on certain days.

4.      Work the room.  When I enter into a thrift store I normally start looking at accessories first, such as jewelry, handbags, and shoes. Then I will shop clothes. The goal is to look at all items in detail to insure you missed nothing. Find the best pattern for you.

5.      Dress comfortable. Not all thrift stores have dressing rooms.  By dressing comfortable, with loose fitting clothing, you can try things over your own clothes if need be. 
An insider tip: If you want to see if jeans or pants will fit without trying them on, try the waist band around your neck. If it fits around your neck easily they should fit.

6.      Look for quality.  Make sure the item is sewn well, nice material, leather goods, or name brands.

7.      Look for the stand out pieces. The nice thing about thrifting is finding items you would normally not see at the everyday retailer. I look for vintage pieces or what I call conversation pieces.  Look for items from different decades and modernize them with pieces already in your closet.

8.      Check sizing.  Sizing has changed over the decades.  Don’t get caught up in a number...If possible try it on.  If not, you may have to make a judgment call if the item is going to work for you.

9.      Take assessment of your items. Before making your purchase, look for any stains, holes, or rips...anything thing that can’t be repaired. There is nothing worse than buying something and later discovering it’s damaged.  I recently walked away from a brand new Ralph Lauren crest blazer because it had moth ball holes on the back. I was so upset because it was a total thrift score, but I knew that it couldn’t be repaired.  Still losing sleep over that jacket…..why………..moth balls!

10.   Get to know the staff. As I mentioned before, if you shop often you should get to know the staff. If you become a loyal shopper, they can become your allies and be an additional lookout for good deals!

I hope this helps….Happy Thrifting!

What I Wore

Shirt- Tucker for Target

Jeans- Elle for Kohl’s

Shoes- Bakers Thrifted

Watch- Michael

Bracelets – The Limited

Special thanks for Priscilla for taking my pictures!

Bloggers Do It Better- American Prep

This week’s challenge for Bloggers Do It Better is American Prep School.  The assignment is to create a preppy look wearing a vest, cardigan or blazer and you must include a tie. I was super excited about this challenge and immediately searched the internet for style inspirations.  My first stop was to check out Tommy Hilfiger’s website where I was immersed with preppy trends from blue blazers, crisp chinos, letterman cardigans, and boat shoes.  

My creative ideas were in full effect! I knew that I wanted to have that Carlton Banks look from Fresh Prince of Bellaire.  Remember his outfits?  He oozed American Prep school, down to the sweater tied around his neck.  What I like most about these challenges is the ability to be creative and try things that are outside of your comfort level.

What I Wore

Cardigan- Forever 21

Shirt- Thrift

Shorts- Steve and Barry’s

Shoes- Keds

Purse- Coach

Watch-Michael Kors

Tie- Grandpa’s

Bracelets- Jcpenney

Glasses- Forever 21

The Adorable Blog Award

I’ve been awarded The Adorable Blog Award by the awesome Joice from Love Joice.  Thank you so much! I truly appreciate the support. Please be sure to check out her personal style blog.

10 Things about Me

1.      I don’t play board games because I’m super competitive and don’t like to lose.

2.      I love to sing but I’m not a singer. My friends say I’m tone deaf.

3.      I don’t’ like to drive on freeways or drive at night.

4.      I would love to live in New York but the cost of living is too high.

5.      I love crime shows like Law and Order and Criminal Minds.

6.      My laugh is loud and infectious.

7.      I’m known to be an expert on useless knowledge.

8.      I’m a horrible dancer but if I do dance it’s just one step that I repeat over and over again. 

9.      I love cupcakes.

10.  I’m an only child.

I wanted to give this award to the following bloggers-

Style Chic 360

DiyRaven

Gods Favorite Shoes

Just Jarette!

From the “Rez” To The City

Just Being Me ShayG

The rules for this award are:

• Thank the person who gave you this award and link back to them in your post.
• Tell us 10 things about yourself.
• Nominate your bloggers.
• Contact these bloggers, and let them know they received this award.

Mall Security

I wanted to take some quick shots and I thought what better place than the mall parking lot. Yea right!  Everything was going great until mall security continued to circle around my vehicle like vultures, making me nervous.  Geez, can you guys go find a shoplifter or something? Mall security, please keep it moving…I’m working here!

They finally drove off after I advised them I was ok, just taking pictures.  No need to be alarmed.

Note to self…find another location.  This is not worth the aggravation!

Lately, I’ve been into everything that is a bold, bright color.  So these skinny turquoise jeans were a great find at the thrift store. The added bonus, they were brand new from Forever 21. I love a good deal and will spend hours and hours searching for one! 

What I Wore

Shirt and Jeans- Thrift

Scarf- Dots

Shoes- Kenneth Cole

Clutch- Vintage

Watch- Fossil

Bracelets Jcpenney, Forever 21

Ring- Forever 21

Nail polish- OPI Ogre-The-Top Blue

Striped Shirt

I'm a huge fan of anything striped and was so delighted when Laura Beck from stripedshirt.com gifted me this red and white shirt.

My first thought this morning getting dressed was to include my oversized nerd glasses with my outfit. I've been searching high and low for nerd glasses and recently found this pair at Forever 21. They remind me of the pair of glasses that Raj wore on "What’s Happening" but his were more of a square shape. These glasses are so fun and I love how they add so much character to my outfit.

 

Needless to say, my outfit turned out to be more of an homage to "Where's Waldo." The only thing missing is the hat!

What I Wore

Shirt- C/O stripedshirt.com

Pants- New York and Company

Shoes- Simply Vera, Vera Wang for Kohl’s

Cross body bag- Coach Poppy with Coach Crab key chain

Sunglasses and Earrings- Forever 21

Watch- Fossil

I wanted to say a special thank you to all my new followers for your comments and support!

Thank you Priscilla for taking my pictures!

Blog For A Day With J

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend Blog for a Day with J in Austin, Texas. The event was sponsored by The Unique Closet, an Austin based women’s clothing and accessory retailer, and Stay Bridge Suites. I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely J from J’s Everyday Fashion. Her mission is to teach women that they too can be fashionable at an affordable price.

The day started off with a meet and greet with the other fashion bloggers.  J was nice enough to share her real life experience of creating a successful blog. The events agenda consisted of the following topics: creating your personal brand, marketing your blog, using social media communities, advertising, and blogging best practices.  Alvin and Mallary Brown, owners of The Unique Closet, provided insightful information on how bloggers can build their brand through partnerships and sponsorships with retailers.

After enjoying a day filled with an abundance of information we were able to end with a shopping event with The Unique Closet and Stella and Dot, with J as our personal stylist.

Laura Beck from stripedshirt.com was gracious enough to provide each blogger a choice of a free striped shirt or cardigan.  Of course I choose the stripe shirt.

Special thanks to my mom and cousin for accompany me on the road trip to Austin. My mom is my biggest cheerleader and always supports my endeavors. I’m truly blessed to call her mom!

What I Wore

Shirt- Thrifted

Pants- New York and Company

Sandals- Thrifted

Bracelets – Jcpenney

Earrings- Beauty Supply Store

Watch- Michael Kors

Clutch- Thrifted

Check out J’s website for the next upcoming events. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out!

Bloggers Do It Better- White Out

This week’s assignment of Bloggers Do it Better, created by Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly, is “White Out." The challenge is to rock an all white ensemble which is a perfect way to stay cool for summer. Honestly, the challenge was difficult for me because I only have a few white pieces in my closet. Luckily, I found this white eyelet skirt and I knew it would be perfect!

What I Wore

Shirt-JCP

Tank- Wal-Mart

Skirt- Old Navy

Shoes- Nine West

Belt- Calvin Klein

Purse- Mom’s

Bracelets- Charming Charlie’s

Ring-Guess